Young Shooting Victim Was Huge Ravens Fan

Young Shooting Victim Was Huge Ravens Fan

The Calvert Hall community is mourning after hearing that Josephine Gay, 7, (pictured) was killed in the Connecticut shooting. (AP Photo)

Towson's Calvert Hall community is mourning after hearing that one of the twenty children killed in the Connecticut shooting was the daughter of an alumnus.

The prep school president sent an email to alumni Thursday stating that Josephine Gay, who had been killed in the Newtown, was the daughter of Bob Gay. He graduated from Calvert Hall in 1978.

School administrators also said that its staff sends its prayers and thoughts to the family.

Josephine's parents Bob and Michelle say that days before Josephine was killed, she celebrated her 7th birthday. She was quite eager to celebrate with friends and loved ones the Saturday after the shooting.

Known as "Joey" to her loved ones, Josephine was diagnosed with autism when she was young. She loved the color purple and never left the house without it. Born in Maryland, she and her entire family loved the Ravens, according to her parents.

After finding out that Josephine was a huge Ravens fan, the team reached out to her family to offer their support.

On the Raven's website, a team representative noted that one of its executive, who is friends with the family, would be attending the Saturday funeral, according to the Ravens's website.

ôThe Gay family and the entire Newtown community are in our thoughts and prayers, as we extend our heartfelt condolences to all of those affected by this tragedy,ö a team representative said. "Joey will forever be a part of our Ravens family."

At her funeral, according to WBAL-TV, mourners will be wearing purple.

Although the Gays have lost Josephine, they say that they are determined to let her legacy continue through talking about her and through foundations, like the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation For Autism.

"We will not let this tragedy define her life," her parents wrote in a statement. "Instead, we will honor her inspiring and generous spirit. We have established JoeyÆs Fund in her name through the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. The proceeds of this fund will help families raising autistic children. ItÆs our way of dealing with this pain and never letting go of her love."

Those who would like to contribute to the fund can click here to find out how to do so.